Hiking

Origins of Life: Ancient Geology at Lake Sarmiento

Unearth thousands of years of geology on this walk based around the shores of Lake Sarmiento. Here you can discover rare formations that reflect the beginnings of the Earth’s history. A 40-minute drive takes us from the hotel to our starting point, for a varied walk over both flat and slightly steeper terrain before we hit the shores of Lake Sarmiento.

This expanse of water is very special and the home of formations called thrombolites, which were formed early on in the history of the world’s geology. The conditions needed for them to be created are a precise balance between climatic conditions, alkaline levels in the water and wildlife in the area amongst others. There are very few sites in the world where thrombolites are found.

There is also much resident wildlife which occasionally accompanies us and in the springtime, vibrant colors from a variety of wildflowers.